Joey Bada$$ – Lonely At The Top (Album Review)

Joey Bada$$ returns with ‘Lonely At The Top,’ an album that blends old-school grit with refined reflection.

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TOP 5

5. STILL (Ft. Ab-Soul & Rapsody)

These three phenomenal rappers will go on a tour together soon.

I can picture a boxer getting hyped as hell to box during a match while listening to this track. “STILL” just has this deadly vibe that encourages shadowboxing. I love how Joey Bada$$ attacks the beat while speaking on overcoming odds and believing in destiny. That s**t is deep. Rapsody gives a numb hook that ties things together, while Ab-Soul drops a somewhat witty, somewhat pompous verse in which he speaks on having different motivations than who we like to listen to. Overall, I just think this is one of those songs that you will feel.

4. HIGHROLLER (Ft. A$AP Ferg & Kelz2busy)

Dammit, this song had so much potential!

This track is a mixed bag, but still a strong listen. Kelz2busy’s vocal performance doesn’t quite land for me — it feels a little too distorted — and A$AP Ferg’s solid verse doesn’t fully mesh with the production, as his rowdy style feels slightly out of place. That said, the beat absolutely carries; it’s got that upbeat, old-school ’90s energy that instantly sets the vibe. Joey Bada$$ shines the brightest here, delivering verses that are slick, digestible, and tailor-made for a more commercial lane. With a few tweaks, this could’ve been an even bigger standout, but as it is, the track still hits the mark and makes for a great listen.

3. UNDERWATER

Joey can make tracks like this?

“UNDERWATER” is one of the most surprising cuts from Joey Bada$$, showcasing a versatility that almost feels unreal. The smooth, lounge-like instrumental leans more eclectic, the type of beat you’d expect from a left-field rapper, yet Joey makes it entirely his own. He experiments with multiple vocal styles — at times evoking Don Toliver’s melodic flair, other times giving flashes of J. Cole — before snapping into an assertive rap verse filled with rapid flows and hard-hitting lines about wealth, untouchability, and embracing conflict. It’s a track that feels both experimental and confident. The result is a unique, intriguing listen that easily stands out in his catalog.

2. LONELY AT THE TOP

Joey knows how to close out an album, and “LONELY AT THE TOP” proves it.

They just don’t make outros like “LONELY AT THE TOP.” The track feels like a true conclusion to the album, built on an instrumental that’s chilling and cinematic — the kind of sound you’d expect in a 1930s crime flick where a protagonist in a wide-brimmed hat pulls the trigger on a rival while his love interest looks on. Despite its lonely, haunting vibe, the beat still carries a solid knock, giving Joey the space to spit with purpose. His laidback tone and wave-like flow add depth as he reflects on friends who turned into enemies and snakes lurking in the grass. Yet beneath the cool delivery, Joey sounds battle-ready. Overall, you’ll like this song’s hook, moving instrumental, and Joey’s focused bars.

1. DARK AURA

Do y’all realize how much Joey went off on this track?

“DARK AURA” features a sleek beat that feels tailor-made for cigar smoke curling in a dim-lit room filled with luxury suits. Joey glides across the production with effortless precision, his flow relentless yet calm, almost like he’s shadowboxing with every bar.

Lyrically, Joey touches on themes of wealth and success, albeit not in the brash, over-the-top manner often heard from other rappers. Instead, he paints the picture with elegance, lacing his bars with the perspective of someone who has not only earned the finer things but also understands the grind it took to get there.

As the song builds, Joey raises the stakes by speaking on deeper motives—feeding his family, staying driven, and surviving the industry with both grit and grace. Overall, “DARK AURA” feels like one of the grittiest acceptance speeches you will ever hear.

SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

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Check out the individual track ratings we gave—these are what we used to calculate the overall score!

RGM RATING

(80%)

I just love how Joey Bada$$ always raps like he has a chip on his shoulder. In Lonely At The Top, that chip is bigger than the ones NVIDIA makes. This time around, Joey embraces both pressure and expectation, creating a project that feels urgent, layered, and deeply personal.

What sets Joey apart is his beat selection. Unlike many rappers chasing trends, he thrives on gritty, ’90s-inspired instrumentals. On this project, however, he branches out. Lonely At The Top features elegant, soulful, and even R&B-leaning production, yet it never strays from the raw essence of traditional hip-hop. Each track carries a timeless quality, reinforcing Joey’s ability to modernize old-school aesthetics.

Lyrically, Joey uses the album as both a mirror and a megaphone. He reflects on resilience, competitive drive, dodging toxic influences, and finding peace in his own path. His verses often feel motivational, almost like coded letters to those navigating similar struggles. There’s wisdom tucked between his bars, but also a fiery competitiveness that keeps the energy sharp.

The features are a mixed bag. Ab-Soul and Rome Streetz shine, but others feel less essential. Nonetheless, Lonely At The Top proves that even when Joey puts his own back against the wall, he delivers.

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